Ali Sadikin's Story Slaps Reckless Driver On The Streets Of Jakarta

It was the Governor of DKI Jakarta from 1966 to 1977, Ali Sadikin, who applied strict discipline to regulate the chaotic traffic in the capital. (Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - It is not an easy matter to manage Jakarta street traffic. Ali Sadikin never felt it. The Governor of DKI Jakarta from 1966 to 1977 was often unable to contain his emotions when he found a motorcyclist or car driver who had made a mistake.

Anyone who violates will be directed to follow the rules. However, not for those who are included as arrogant riders. Moreover, as if the streets belonged to their ancestors. Ali Sadikin did not hesitate to slap reckless drivers many times.

Military background was not an obstacle for Ali Sadikin to build Jakarta. Since being appointed by Bung Karno as Governor of DKI Jakarta in early April 1966, the man who is familiarly called Bang Ali immediately stepped on the gas. He tries to understand all the problems that are present in the capital city. Detail by detail.

Day and night Bang Ali and his team thought that Jakarta could be built under one command. He also often goes in and out of villages, terminals, airports, to entertainment centers in Jakarta. The blusukan activity was carried out to be able to formulate the right policy in developing Jakarta from the Big Village to the Metropolitan City.

Governor of DKI Jakarta 1966-1977, Ali Sadikin. (Wikimedia Commons)

The exploration was done incognito. Alias alone without bringing aides, or journalists. As a result, Bang Ali was able to map out Jakarta's problems, then "marry them" with the right policies. In managing traffic in Jakarta, for example. Bang Ali is open to all proposals submitted by his citizens. He also received all forms of criticism from residents directly.

There was also an open dialogue. Including when Ali Sadikin wanted to make efforts to widen the road. Therefore, every execution of Bang Ali's policies often gets a lot of support. Even though many people hate his policies.

“Governor Ali Sadikin also pays attention to the traffic system in Jakarta. To smooth the flow of traffic which becomes access to the center of trade and finance, Glodok, which is jammed every day. Ali Sadikin accepted the proposal to widen Jalan Gajah Mada and Jalan Hayam Wuruk. But the staff reminded Mr. Gub, if we widen the road, then we have to pay compensation for the land and buildings.”

“Ali Sadikin kicked off: we will widen the road without compensation. Seeing Ali Sadikin speaking loudly, no one dared to speak anymore. Then Ali Sadikin asked the apparatus, from the subdistrict head to the lurah, assisted by the neighborhood and RT heads to socialize the road widening plan. Thankfully, the residents can accept this idea,” said Wardiman Djodjonegoro in the book Along Jalan Memories (2016).

Become a Volunteer Police

Bang Ali wants to solve the chaotic traffic in Jakarta. Not infrequently, he himself is moved to regulate traffic on the streets of Jakarta, alone with his aide. Bang Ali at that time was like carrying out the duties of a traffic police.

Bang Ali's actions clearly caught the attention of Jakarta residents who happened to be passing by. Many are interested in seeing the action of the number one person in Jakarta as a voluntary "polantas". Bang Ali did not hesitate to give a stern warning to those caught driving recklessly.

Governor of DKI Jakarta 1966-1977, Ali Sadikin received guests in his office. (Wikimedia Commons)

Drivers who do not have good manners are the main ones to take action. At first Bang Ali rebuked him, but when his emotions became unbearable, his hands would reflexively slap those who were reckless. The slap was carried out by Ali Sadikin indiscriminately.

Anyone who he deems to have no manners and does not respect other drivers will feel Bang Ali's slap. Especially when Bang Ali accidentally found a civilian driver driving a military truck recklessly. Bang Ali spontaneously chased the driver and stopped the vehicle.

The driver who behaved more than a member of the military was immediately stopped and slapped by him without further ado. The slap not once, but many times. According to him, drivers who like to be reckless like that should be taught a lesson. After all, they are one of the causes of Jakarta's traffic so chaotic.

Governor of DKI Jakarta 1966-1977, Ali Sadikin at an event. (Wikimedia Commons)

“In the car, I was still grumbling. It was thought that because they were already in the Armed Forces, they could do whatever they wanted. In fact it should be the other way around. He must set a good example to the people. Especially discipline is needed in all fields.”

"All the way I'm still stuck. This is no April one joke. It happened on April 1st. And it wasn't because I brought journalists that I acted like that,” recalled Ali Sadikin as written by Ramadhan KH in the book Bang Ali: For the sake of Jakarta 1966-1977 (1992).